High-End HP Omen X Design Shows Why There's a Future for Desktop PCs

High-End HP Omen X Design Shows Why There's a Future for Desktop PCs

For those who want a high-end computing experience or do-it-yourselfers who like the idea of swapping components to boost performance and capabilities, here's why the Omen X may be the desktop for you.

An Interesting Design Concept

The HP Omen X has an interesting design concept. The device is shaped like a cube and sits on a stand that keeps it propped up on one corner to help it run cooler and to save it from looking like another boring PC box or tower. There are some esthetically pleasing grills on the front to aid ventilation and access ports on the back to enable users to readily open it up.

It Includes Windows 10—With a Catch

The HP Omen X runs on Windows 10. However, the computer will have Windows 10 Home out of the box rather than Windows 10 Pro. Those who want all the features in Windows 10 Pro can upgrade for just $39. It would've been nice to see Windows 10 Pro as a standard feature in such a high-end model.

The Graphics Chips Are Powerful

The graphics performance in the Omen X is nothing short of astounding. Customers can choose up to dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 chips or up to dual AMD Radeon R9 Fury X processing units. In either case, the GPUs will be able to handle everything from video editing and processing to gaming.

It Supports Virtual Reality Devices, Applications

As more virtual-reality headsets reach the market, computer buyers are seeking out models that are VR-ready. However, virtual reality currently requires extremely powerful processors and not all Windows PCs are VR-certified. The Omen X, is and that could help it sell well among virtual-reality-seekers.

It's Fully Upgradable

The Omen X is a fully upgradable computer, HP says. In fact, users will be able to quickly swap out core components, such as CPUs, graphics processors and storage drives, to boost performance. Interestingly, HP is encouraging customizing the computer and offering toolless access to internal components. There's also a built-in toolkit to help users quickly change up their components.

HP's Augmented Cooling Features in Omen X

In a high-end computer like the Omen X, cooling is an important factor, especially to gamers who want their computers to run cool to deliver the fastest performance.
To keep the computer running cool, HP has designed a "tri-chamber" infrastructure that separates components and includes cooling in each of those chambers. In addition, customers can get up to three 120mm liquid-cooling radiators with exhaust vents to keep cool air in and hot air out.

Choose the Right Processor to Get the Job Done

HP is offering a wide selection of processors, depending on what customers want. The company says customers can choose from either the sixth-generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors, and have the option to choose from several variants within them. In addition, the overclocking is available for those who want a bit more power.

You Can Buy Omen X Shell to Add Custom Components

In an interesting twist, HP says that it will sell completely empty Omen X boxes for those who want to install components of their choosing. The idea is to bring back the days of building a computer from scratch, and it could prove extremely appealing to do-it-yourselfers who still enjoy crafting their own machines.

HP Has Inked an Omen X Customization Deal With Maingear

HP has signed a deal with boutique PC maker Maingear for customers to get even more customized Omen X desktops. Maingear will apparently offer more component options and other customizations that HP's site won’t have. The companies say Maingear will begin selling its Omen X in early 2017 and pricing will vary depending on custom component selections.

Let's Look at Pricing and Availability

The Omen X is available now to customers ready to pay extra for a high-end desktop. The cheapest option is available now for $1,800. However, those who want some of the sophisticated features mentioned in the earlier slides should expect to pay substantially more. In fact, buyers who select top-of-the-line CPUs, graphics chips and other components can expect to pay several thousand dollars.

As part of its previously announced plans to deliver improved lines of desktop PCs, HP Inc. on Aug. 16 announced a new device called the Omen X. The desktop is notable for its cubed design and a stand that allows it to sit on one corner to help it run cool. In addition, the desktop comes with high-end components, including the latest Intel processors, powerful graphics chips and more than enough RAM for most users. Given those features, it's perhaps no surprise that with a starting price of $1,799, the Omen X isn't cheap. However, it's an ideal choice either for those who want a high-end computing experience or do-it-yourselfers who like the idea of swapping components to boost performance and capabilities. In fact, if its design says anything, it's that the HP Omen X was built to last and work productively on the desktop for years to come. This eWEEK slide show covers the main features in the Omen X that make it one of the more interesting and appealing computers to hit the desktop market in some time.

Don Reisinger is a freelance technology columnist. He started writing about technology for Ziff-Davis' Gearlog.com. Since then, he has written extremely popular columns for CNET.com, Computerworld, InformationWeek, and others. He has appeared numerous times on national television to share his expertise with viewers. You can follow his every move at http://twitter.com/donreisinger.